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ProfessorLunar highlands are elevated regions on the Moon's surface that are heavily cratered and rugged compared to the smooth maria basins. They are mainly made up of ancient rocks, such as anorthosite, and are thought to have formed when lighter materials floated to the surface during the Moon's early history.
When the Moon was in its molten stage 4.5 billion years ago, lighter aluminum-rich material floated to the surface and created what we know today as the Lunar Highlands. The heavier dark basalts sank toward the center of the Moon but later percolated upward through cracks and fissures that were opened up as a result of impacts that created the large basins. This basaltic material filled the "seas" and provides a dark contrast to the much lighter Highlands.
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The lunar highlands have more impact craters than the maria so scientists know that the highlands are what?
The lunar highlands are older than the maria because they have accumulated more impact craters over time. This suggests that the highlands are composed of older, more geologically stable rock compared to the volcanic plains of the maria.
Do the highlands cover a lot of the moon?
Yes, 83 per cent of the whole lunar surface (including the far side) is covered by lunar highlands.
What are the oldest lunar features called?
The oldest lunar features are called lunar highlands. These are areas on the Moon's surface that are heavily cratered and have not experienced significant volcanic activity, making them some of the oldest regions on the Moon.
What causes lunar highlands?
Lunar highlands are predominantly made up of anorthosite, a rock type rich in the mineral plagioclase feldspar. They are thought to have formed early in the Moon's history when lighter minerals floated to the surface of a molten lunar magma ocean and crystallized, creating the highlands terrain we see today.
What are the light colored mountainous regions on the moon called?
The light-colored mountainous regions on the moon are called the lunar highlands. These areas are characterized by their rugged terrain, bright appearance, and higher elevation compared to the darker, smooth plains known as the lunar maria.
